A Huddersfield-based housing association, which only two years ago was staring at financial disaster, has been shortlisted for a national industry award.

Such has been the turn round in the fortunes of Sadeh Lok Housing Group – which owns and manages more than 1,000 homes in Kirklees and Wakefield – it is a finalist in this year’s UK Housing Award’s Business Transformation category.

In 2010, the organisation was looking at £2 million loss and was under the close scrutiny of the housing regulator.

However, a comprehensive business improvement programme, developed by the new management team and Board, has seen the organisation dramatically turn around its financial position, performance and reputation across the housing sector.

This reversal of fortune has enabled Sadeh Lok to invest more than £1.3 million last year in its existing housing stock.

“To get us back on a firm footing we had to take some very tough decisions. Through the collective commitment and dedication of our staff, board members and residents we have transformed Sadeh Lok during a very short period of time into a high performing housing business.

“In what is our 25th anniversary year, we are now delivering UK-leading customer satisfaction and operational performance. The changes made will allow us to continue to provide high quality homes and services to current and future generations across all of the communities in which we work”.

The awards, which recognise outstanding work by housing organisations to improve the lives of people in their communities, are organised by the Chartered Institute of Housing.

Grainia Long, Chartered Institute of Housing Chief Executive, said: “The UK Housing Awards are about celebrating the dedication and commitment of organisations and professionals across the industry.

“They not only recognise success, they also give housing providers the opportunity to learn from each others’ excellent work and innovation.

“For CIH, they help us to fulfil our role in maintaining, improving and promoting standards in an increasingly challenging environment.

“The quality of the entries we’ve received this year is evident from the fantastic standard of the finalists, and I’d like to congratulate all the organisations that have been shortlisted. Their work can inspire us all.”

Now in their 17th year, this year’s awards attracted more than 300 entries from all over the UK and. The winners will be revealed at a ceremony at the Lancaster London Hotel on 16 April.

-ends-

For further information please contact:Sue Scargill, Sadeh Lok Company Secretary, on 01484 435715
David Simister, Different PR, on 0845 389 26 26

National Acclaim! The Sadeh Lok team (Paul Dolan back left) which has been shortlisted for Business Transformation in this year’s UK Housing Award’s Business.

About

BMENational is a collective of over 65 BME housing associations operating within England. It acts under the auspices of the National Housing Federation (NHF) and, as well as collaborating with the Federation to influence national housing policy, it also provides a consultative and promotional platform for BME housing issues.